Ducks evaluating prospects, seeking AHL partner

While the NHL's annual prospect combine takes place this weekend in Toronto, Ducks general manager Bob Murray is leaving the nuts and bolts of final research for the June 26-27 entry draft to the club's scouts, including director of amateur scouting Martin Madden.

Some 104 draft-eligible players are scheduled to go through workouts and interviews at a Toronto hotel. Included are NHL Central Scouting's 75 top-rated skaters and eight goaltenders from North American leagues, as well as the projected top 20 skaters and top goalie from Europe.

Murray plans to be involved in interviewing prospects in the days leading up to the draft in Montreal, including three whom the Ducks have already targeted as potential first-round picks. The Ducks own the 15th selection in the opening round.

In the meantime, Murray continues to work on trying to find a replacement for the Iowa Chops, who served as the Ducks' American League affiliate in 2008-09. The Ducks opted out of what had been a two-year contract with the Chops because of a financial dispute.

"We're getting closer to something," Murray said Thursday. "We have some options out there. For some reason, we're a wanted team."

If the Ducks are unable to secure a full AHL partner, they would likely wind up placing prospects with multiple minor-league teams next season.

How that situation plays out could have an impact on whether highly regarded center Nick Bonino accepts a contract offer from the Ducks this summer or returns to Boston University for his junior season. The Ducks acquired Bonino in the March 4 trade that sent left wing Travis Moen and defenseman Kent Huskins to the San Jose Sharks.

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